Hornbill Festival 2025: ‘Mithun Show’ emphasises need for conservation

DIMAPUR — The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), in collaboration with Nagaland Mithun Farmers Federation and HITs-Chikhu Ghakhu Farmers Society Nagaland, organised a ‘Mithun Show’ at Amphitheatre, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 5.

The show was held with the initiative to showcase, promote and propagate the ‘State Animal’ considered the ‘Pride of Nagaland,’ a DIPR report stated.

Dr. H Inato Jimomi, Joint Director of AH&VS, explained that the Mithun show aimed to promote and revive Mithun farming in Nagaland, as the state's Mithun population is declining drastically. He attributed this decline to deforestation for human habitation and farms, leading to the loss of natural habitats for Mithun livestock reared in community forests.

Also read: Hornbill Festival 2025: Free blood donation camp held at Kisama

Doyang Hornbill Extension ends with marathon, cycling

This has driven Mithun farmers to shift to agricultural farming, selling or culling their livestock due to financial constraints, he said.

Despite the Government of Nagaland declaring Mithun as the ‘State Animal’, the population continues to decline, and so the department was hosting the event to raise awareness about the importance and economic sustainability of rearing Mithun, he added.

Dr. Jimomi encouraged farmers and youths to take up Mithun farming, highlighting its potential as a valuable asset. He also acknowledged the initiatives taken by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun at Medziphema, to promote the growth of the Mithun population.